Second Helpings: Thai, Part II

“Second Helpings” is compiled from new and previous reviews, guides, and poll results. This week’s entries were updated by Erin Mosow. For more on Austin eateries, check here.

Bangkok Cuisine

9041 Research, 832-9722 Monday-Friday, 11am-2:30pm, 5-10pm; Saturday-Sunday, 5-10:30pm
Opened in 1986, Bangkok Cuisine is one of Austin's oldest Thai restaurants and boasts a longtime clientele loyal to its array of stellar vegetarian dishes. Available with or without meat, Bangkok's pad Thai is one of the most memorable versions of the traditional Thai dish to be found in Austin.

Classic Thai

200 Buttercup Creek #128, Cedar Park, 512/331-3810 Monday, 11am-2:30pm; Tuesday-Friday, 11am-2:30pm, 5-9pm; Saturday-Sunday, noon-9pm
Classic Thai is the popular suburban outpost in Cedar Park. Meat eaters, fish lovers, and vegetarians alike will marvel at the array of satisfying menu choices here.

Little Thailand

4315 Caldwell, 247-3855 Monday-Saturday, 11am-2pm, 6-9pm
Little Thailand is a cozy family joint located east of the airport, where owners Dick Simcoe and his Thai wife, Surin, offer spectacular authentic Thai food in a funky, relaxed setting. Enjoy Dick's killer Thai Bloody Marys in the comfortable attached lounge while you anticipate the cooked-to-order specialties such as Surin's superlative rendition of the Thai national dish, pad Thai.

Thai Garden

5517 Manchaca, 326-5205 Monday-Friday, 11am-3pm, 5-9pm; Saturday, 5-9pm
This far-South Thai outlet is a popular spot for eating in and also does a brisk takeout business with neighborhood regulars. Thai Garden is under new ownership this year and offers greater attention to detail. Our favorite dish here has to be the whole crispy fish in a divinely fiery red curry sauce.

Thai Spice Cafe

701 Capital of TX Hwy. S., 330-0203 Monday-Thursday, 11am-9pm; Friday, 11am-10pm; Saturday-Sunday, noon-3pm 1310 RR 620 S., 263-2221 Monday-Friday, 11am-2:30pm, 5-9:30pm; Saturday, 5-10pm; Sunday, noon-9pm
This pleasant family of restaurants is owned and operated by female chefs Vicki Vicha and Orasinee Ratana-Apron. Both eateries have similar basic menus, offering fresh, fast, reliable versions of traditional Thai dishes. The buffet at the North location is very popular with the neighborhood's business techies, while West Lake Hills families are fond of the fresh, light fare at the Southwest suburban outlet.

Thai Tara

601 W. Sixth, 236-0856 Daily, 11am-3pm; 5-10pm
This fashionable West Sixth Street outpost is under brand-new ownership this year. It continues to be the destination for downtown Thai food and atmosphere. Check out the upgraded menu – we find it very appealing!

Thai Village

6406 N. I-35, 452-3888 Monday-Thursday, 11am-2:30pm, 5-10pm; Friday, 11am-2:30pm, 5-11pm; Saturday, 11am-11pm
The Thai Village menu features many of the same traditional dishes as other local Thai restaurants, but the cloth-covered tables and very artful food presentation create a sophisticated atmosphere in which to enjoy a classy but still affordable meal. And the service is excellent.